Muscat – Oman Film Society organised an Omani Film Night in Budapest recently in cooperation with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Hungary, bringing Omani cinema and culture to audiences in the Hungarian capital.

Held at the National Film Theatre, the event was attended by Malallah bin Mahmoud al Balushi, Ambassador of Oman to Hungary, several ambassadors, filmmakers and enthusiasts of culture and cinema. The evening was organised to mark the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s accession to the throne.

In his remarks, Balushi expressed his pleasure in presenting Omani culture, lifestyle and heritage to Hungarian audiences. He highlighted the importance of opening new channels for creative exchange and cultural cooperation, noting that cinema plays a key role in fostering dialogue, understanding and tolerance among peoples. He added that such events can lay the foundation for lasting partnerships that enrich the global cultural and cinematic landscape.

Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Chairman of Oman Film Society, said the initiative went beyond film screenings, describing it as a platform for cultural dialogue and a means to strengthen ties between Oman and Hungary. He underlined the potential for broader artistic and creative collaboration in the future, and thanked the Omani Embassy in Budapest for its support and facilitation, which contributed to the success of the event.

The programme included a panel discussion on the Omani film industry, highlighting its development, key challenges and opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange with Hungarian filmmakers. The discussion was moderated by Fahad al Maimani, Director of the Local and International Cooperation Committee.

A photography exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Photography Club of University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat showcased images reflecting everyday life and the rich cultural and human heritage of Oman.

Adding a musical dimension to the evening, oud player Sulaiman al Kindi performed a selection of pieces inspired by Omani musical traditions, underscoring the link between music, cultural identity and cinematic expression.

The event featured screenings of eight Omani films: Burning Souls by Yaqoub al Khanjari, Black Liver by Mohammed al Ghafri, Dahjan al Ward by Mohammed al Ajmi, Long Distances by Ali al Bimani and Hamad al Qasabi, Ashes by Sulaiman al Khalili, The Religion of Water by Haitham al Musallami, Never Dive Alone by Fahad al Maimani and Illusion by Issa al Subhi.